McFadden Earns Pair of All-America Honors; Ugoh Named Second Team All-American

BY ANDRES FOCIL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden has captured a pair of first-team All-America honors and offensive tackle Tony Ugoh has netted second-team All-America recognition it was announced on Thursday.

McFadden is a member of both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) first-team All-America squad as well as the Rivals.com All-America team. Ugoh earned a spot on Rivals.com second-team offensive line.

“I’m proud of Darren and Tony and their recognition as All-Americans,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “Darren has had an incredible season in helping us get to the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. Tony has been phenomenal for us up front. The offensive line has been the key to our offensive success.”

McFadden became the 40th Razorback player in history to earn first-team All-America honors. The AFCA recognized the Arkansas sophomore as its first-team all-purpose back. McFadden has spent time at tailback, quarterback and kick returner this season. Rivals.com honored McFadden as one of its two running backs.

The Little Rock, Ark., product has turned in the most prolific rushing season in school history. McFadden’s 1,485 yards on the ground is a school record and the 10th-best total in SEC history. He ranks eighth in the nation in rushing with 123.75 yards per game. McFadden is one of four finalists for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s best running back.

Ugoh has been a dominating presence on the left side of the Razorbacks’ offensive line. He has helped pave the way for Arkansas’ SEC-leading 236.25 rushing yards per game. The Hogs rank fourth in the nation in rushing offense and lead the country in sacks allowed per game yielding only eight sacks in 12 games (0.67 sacks per game) this season.

The Houston, Texas, native has racked up 61 knockdown blocks this season for an offensive front that has enabled Arkansas to net 12 100-yard rushing efforts in 12 games.